Bridging Communications

Barriers to Good Communication

Do you ever think about what causes barriers in communicating?  How often are you confused by some communication you receive or hear?  How often do you say to someone, “No, you don’t understand,” after you’ve tried to express a message or concept in what you thought was clear terms?  Why does this happen? 

The best teachers and communicators understand that it often isn’t the recipient’s fault, it’s the communicator.  We aren’t clear in getting our messages out.  We have a responsibility to communicate clearly and concisely, and when we don’t our messages get lost.  This is the same thing that happens in businesses.  Maybe the person communicating isn’t clear on what he or she is trying to say or write, or the language used is confusing.  To communicate effectively we’ve got to have a clear idea of what we’re communicating. 

Our best communications happen when the message sent is the same message received.  In almost every case, communication is best served by using the clearest and simplest terms.  Communicating in clear, direct language is a more effective company strategy than using unfamiliar jargon, inappropriate cultural terms, or words that lead to confusing or ambiguous meanings. Clear, effective communication helps avoid misunderstandings, and clears the way for a more efficient and effective work environment.